Plan Your Trip

Maximize the benefits of travel

Let go of the need to control: Those who return home relaxed and refreshed are those who are flexible during their travels and are open to whatever might come.

Accept change: Change is part of life and things don’t always go according to plan. It’s the unexpected that often makes the most memorable trips! Accept change and the unexpected with a positive outlook.

Go with the flow: Relax your expectations - you’re on vacation. Part of the magic of retreat is not living according to the same daily routine you otherwise maintain.

Logistics

Airport Transfers

Airport pick up and drop off are included in the price of the retreat. Please contact us with a copy of your flight itinerary so that we can have transportation available for you. All transfers will be to and from the airport closest to the retreat town, and will be made within one hour of your arrival or three hours prior to departure.

Food and Drink

Snacks and water will be available throughout the day and meals are provided as indicated on the retreat itinerary. If you have any particular dietary requirements, we will do our best to help you and appreciate your advance notice of any needs. Special care is taken in the preparation and cleaning of all fruits and vegetables to ensure the good health of our guests.

Laundry

Laundry service can be arranged for a nominal fee per piece of laundry. Turnaround time is about 24 hours.

Exploring on Your Own

Alchemy Travel encourages guests to cultivate transformation through exploration of, and participation in, the local culture and environment. You will have free time to explore and we can, upon request, provide additional information to assist you in your process of discovery. Please send us an email at info@alchemytravel.com if you have any questions or need guidance.

Links to Travel Resources

Passport & Visa Information
Please make sure that you have a passport, and that it is current, and has more than (6) months remaining to its expiration date. Get help to apply for a new passport, renew, add additional pages, or apply for a visa.

Travel Insurance
Don't take a trip without considering travel insurance.

State Department Travel Advisories
Current Travel Warnings

Register with the State Department
Record your trip information or overseas residence with the State Department and receive assistance in case of an emergency.

The Weather Channel
Weather.com can show you local weather for thousands of cities around the world.

Currency Exchange
The XE Currency Encyclopedia offers currency rates, forex news, and facts for every world currency like the US Dollar and the Euro.

Google Maps

World Health & Vaccination Information
Get travel health information from a list of global destinations

Global Electric Directory for Outlet Conversion
We will have a small number of outlet converters available. Please plan to bring your own in order to avoid inconvenience or delay.

New to travel, or leaving the country for the first time? Even if you're a seasoned adventurer, there are quite a number of things to do before departure – we've collected some of the best tips from our savvy participants!

Before Leaving Home

• Make arrangements for newspaper and mail
• Arrange for trashcans to be put out and put back
• Set message on voice mail
• Make arrangement for watering plants
• Make arrangements for pet care
• Discard any food that might spoil
• Pay bills that are due or will be due while gone
• Leave a set of keys, a copy of your passport identification page and your itinerary with someone
• Photocopy important documents and prescriptions
• Turn off appliances and faucets
• Lock windows and doors
• Set any automatic timers for lights and sprinklers
• Weigh your luggage to insure it is within your airlines weight limit
• Make sure you have travel insurance

TRAVELER’S CHECKLIST/ WHAT TO BRING

Travel Documents and Tickets

• Visa, if required
• Passport and an extra copy of the information page of the passport
• Airline tickets and confirmation numbers
• Vaccination certificates
• Photo ID
• Travel insurance ID
• Health Insurance ID

Money Matters

• Credit cards
• Traveler’s checks for large purchases
• Cash for incidental purchases
• A small calculator for exchange

Toiletries

• Shampoo/ Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Combs or brushes
• Nail files
• Lotions
• Tooth brush and tooth paste
• Razors
• Special soap
• Any preferred hair care products or tools

Clothing

• Sandals/ thongs/ water shoes
• Walking/ sport shoes
• Sport socks
• Thermals
• Jackets
• Tee shirts
• Underwear
• Casual dress shirts and pants
• Sleepwear
• Swimwear/ coverup
• Exercise/ Yoga clothes

Packing Tips: minimize colors and bring things that mix and match, take clothes to wear as layers, for the tropics and the desert, take lightweight and natural fabrics, for cooler climates take woolens and silks.

Health

• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Vitamins
• Sun Block
• Contact lens supplies
• Analgesic/ pain relief aids
• Constipation and diarrhea aids
• Kleenex
• Feminine hygiene products
• Chapstick
• Mosquito/ bug repellent
• Antibiotic ointment
• Moleskin
• Sweetener substitute
• Gum, mints or candies
• Hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous

• Small binoculars
• Guidebooks/ maps
• Extra batteries or power cords
• A rain poncho or umbrella
• Eye glasses
• Resealable plastic bags
• Small flashlight
• Reading material
• Camera/ film
• Swiss army knife
• Travel alarm clock
• Electric converter/ adaptor
• Phone/ address list
• Sunglasses
• Light backpack or day bag
• Dirty laundry bag
• Money belt

TRAVELING SAFE

• Crime is a potential hazard anywhere in the world. As excited as you are to be exploring and traveling, attracting attention is one of the most common ways tourists become a target. Therefore, attracting as little attention as possible is the best way to fend off potential criminals – be mindful of typical codes of dress and behavior and keep money and credit cards organized and even in a front pocket. No matter where you keep it, no one looks like an easier mark to a thief than a tourist fumbling with their money or waving it around! Additionally, older and more affluent looking travelers may wish to consider dressing down.
• Theft is apt to occur where large numbers of people congregate - at airports and markets etc. Simply being aware of your surroundings is a good deterrent to theft.
• Be careful with how and where you carry money and valuables. Keep valuables in front pockets or on your person. Consider using a money belt. Carry as little as possible with you. Do not pack valuable documents in your luggage, carry them with you.
• Inventory your credit card numbers, and know where to call in case they are lost or stolen.
• NEVER leave luggage or belongings unattended.
• Carry valuables in different places.
• If traveling with a passport, keep a photocopy elsewhere.
• Keep prescription medication in original containers, clearly labeled (to avoid suspicion of having illegal substances)